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Accountability measures have quickly entered into formal teacher-preparation programs. As a response, we introduce the use of structural equation modeling vis-à-vis path analysis in secondary-grade mathematics teacher preparation as a methodology to test models to understand the strength of relationships to recommendations of prominent professional organizations and standards for entering the teaching profession. This longitudinal, 6-year, five-cohort study examines the relationship of program design sequencing and core components (internal measures) to an externally scored high-stakes teacher licensing examination portfolio intended to measure pedagogical content knowledge and first-year teacher readiness. The internal measures and program sequencing model explains 49.2% of the variance in relation to the standardized outcome teaching portfolio examination with high-power and medium- to large-effect statistics. We provide implications for teacher preparation with respect to recommendations of professional organizations, governments, and accreditation standards. Results should stimulate discussions and fuel future research efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the grain yield and yield-related traits of 20 hulled and 20 hull-less spring barley accessions under conditions of South-eastern Bulgaria. Field experiments were carried out from 2017 to 2019 in the experimental field of the Institute of Agriculture-Karnobat. The effects of years and year by genotype interactions on grain yield and studied yield-related traits were considerably higher in hull-less accessions compared to hulled accessions. Highest broad-sense heritability was found for spike length, 1000-grain weight and number of spikelets per spike in both barley types. Hull-less accessions showed a lower average number of spikes per plant, number of grains per spike, weight of grains per spike, 1000-grain weight and grain yield. The number of grains per spike had a maximum direct effect on grain yield, followed by the number of spikes per plant and weight of grains per spike in hulled accessions. While in hull-less genotypes, the number of spikes per plant had the highest direct effect on grain yield, followed by the number of grains per spike and spike length. Therefore, direct selection for these traits would be an effective breeding strategy for increasing the grain yield of spring barley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Cotton yield and most important traits in terms of economic and breeding values are polygenic traits, and direct selection for them has not been very successful. This study was conducted to identify the relationships between yield and its related traits and to determine the most important traits affecting cotton lint-yield. Materials and Methods: an experiment including nine genotypes with two commercial varieties of Fars province (Bakhtegan and Golestan) as controls, in a randomized complete blocks design with four replications, was carried out at Darab Agricultural Research Station during two years of 2017 and 2018. In this study, the traits of plant height, monopodial length, monopodial number, sympodial length, sympodial number, number of boll per plant, boll weight, earliness percentage and lint-yield were investigated. Results: The combined variance analysis results for the studied traits showed that the genotype had a significant effect on all traits except for the monopodial length and the sympodial number at the 1% probability level. The comparison of genotype means showed that the genotypes A-NB414 and A-NBK had the highest lint-yield of 5445 and 5154 kg/ha, respectively. The lint-yield of these two genotypes were significantly different from those of the other genotypes. The genotypes A-NB414 and A-NBK also had higher values for plant height, sympodial number, number of boll per plant, and earliness percentage than the other genotypes. The phenotype correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between lint-yield and number of boll per plant (r=0.80**), boll weight (r=0.36**), and plant height (r=0.60**) at the 1% probability level. The stepwise regression analysis results showed that the traits of number of boll per plant, boll weight, plant height, and sympodial length had the most significant effects on cotton lint-yield (R² =0.77). According to the results of the path analysis, the number of boll per plant had the most direct effect on lint-yield (P=0.78). The indirect effect of plant height on lint-yield was exerted through the number of boll per plant. The lint-yield of these two genotypes was significantly different from other genotypes. A-NB414 and A-NBK genotypes were superior to other genotypes in plant height, sympodial number, number of boll per plant, and earliness percentage. The phenotypic correlation showed a high and significant correlation at 1% level of probability respectively between the lint-yield and the number of boll per plant (r=0.80**), boll weight (r=0.36**) and plant height (r=0.60**). The results of step-by-step regression analysis showed that the traits of boll number, boll weight, plant height and sympodial length explain the most lint-yield changes (R2 =77.59). According to the results of the path analysis, the most direct effect on the lint-yield trait was related to the number of boll per plant (P=0.78). The most indirect effect of plant height was exerted on lint-yield through the number of boll per plant. Conclusion: Considering the very high correlation between the lint-yield and the number of boll per plant, it can be concluded that the number of boll per plant is the main factor causing genotype differences in lint-yield. Since boll weight, number of boll per plant and plant height have the largest direct effects on cotton lint-yield, these traits can be used as selection criteria. Additionally, since the number of boll per plant has the most direct and indirect effect on lint-yield, it can be used to increase lintyield in breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the depression status of de facto orphan caregivers in Sichuan and analyze its influencing factors. Methods By using the social support rating scale and the simplified version of depression scale, a questionnaire survey was conducted on the social support and depression status of 374 de facto orphan caregivers in a city of Sichuan Province. A structural equation model was used to explore the factors influencing depression and their function routes. Results The depression score of orphan caregivers was (13.76 ±5.24) points, and 286 (76.5%) had depressive symptoms. The prevalence of chronic diseases in caregivers (B=0.316, P<0.001), gender (B=0.098, P=0.038), education (B=-0.154, P=0.002), current residence (B=-0.150, P=0.001), care time (3=0.117, P=0.011), and relationship with de facto orphans (B=-0.141, P= 0.013) had direct effects on depression. Caregivers who suffered from chronic diseases, female, poorly educated, residence in rural areas, long-term care, and being the orphan's grandparents had high depression scores. Caregivers' marital status (B=-0.027, P-0.030), personal monthly income (B=-0.042, P=0.001), and care style (B=-0.037, P=0.004) had indirect effects on depression through social support (B=-0.190, P< 0.001). Caregivers in marriage, with higher monthly income, and assistance from others had higher scores of social supports. The better the status of social support, the lower the score of depression. Conclusion The prevalence rate of depressive symptoms of de facto orphan caregivers in Sichuan is high, and the situation of depression is severe, which calls for the attention of the whole society and early intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite being a milestone in the history of statistical causal inference, Sewall Wright’s 1918 invention of path analysis did not receive much immediate attention from the statistical and scientific community. Through a careful historical analysis, this paper reveals some previously overlooked philosophical issues concerning the history of causal inference. Placing the invention of path analysis in a broader historical and intellectual context, I portray the scientific community’s initial lack of interest in the method as a natural consequence of relevant scientific and philosophical conditions. In addition to Karl Pearson’s positivist refutation of causation, I contend that the acceptance of path analysis faced several other challenges, including the introduction of a new formalism, conceptual barriers to causal inference, and the lack of model-based statistical thinking. The presence of these challenges shows that the delayed progress in causal inference in the early twentieth century was inevitable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and hypothesis: Women who have intraspinal anesthesia for delivery are more likely to experience postpartum urinary retention (PUR), which, if not recognized and treated promptly, can result in long-term urinary dysfunction. Many factors influencing PUR have been proposed, but no study has been conducted to investigate the relationship between them. This study is aimed at determining the influencing factors of PUR and to explore the relationship between them. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional survey using self-made questionnaires was conducted among 372 puerperae in a Grade A hospital in Guangzhou, China, from April to September 2022. SPSS25.0 and AMOS24.0 were used for data analysis, and a path analysis model was established to determine the relationship between the influencing factors. Results: The incidence of PUR was 49.85%. Residence, the level of postpartum pain, and the change of postnatal urination position had a direct effect on PUR. Episiotomy and analgesic duration have both direct and indirect effects on PUR. Forceps delivery, perineal edema and oxytocin had an indirect effect on PUR. Variables could influence the occurrence of PUR by mediating the analgesic duration, episiotomy, postpartum pain level, and postnatal urination position changes. Conclusions: This study provides an empirical model to illustrate the relationship between PUR and related factors in women who delivered under intraspinal anesthesia. In future management, more attention should be paid to women who live in cities, have higher levels of postpartum pain, longer analgesic duration, higher grade of perineal edema, and received episiotomy, forceps delivery, and oxytocin during labor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inter-relationships between the Big Five personality traits, self-esteem, and compulsive buying are supported by strong empirical evidence. What is yet unknown is to what extent self-esteem can channel the influence of personality traits on compulsive buying. The main objective of this study is to explore the possible mediating role of self-esteem in the link between the Big Five personality traits and compulsive buying. Path analysis results, using a sample of 487 university students, generally confirm the suitability of the proposed model in which self-esteem mediated the effects of the Big Five personality traits (neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, openness to experience, and conscientiousness) on compulsive buying. Moreover, a direct effect of neuroticism and conscientiousness on compulsive buying was found. Finally, based on the finding that self-esteem acts as a necessary filter in the analysis of the five factors–compulsive buying relationship, several action-oriented guidelines for the prevention or intervention of this behavioral problem are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital inclusive finance has the advantages of reducing financial service costs and improving financial service efficiency. In the context of rural revitalization strategy, the development of digital inclusive finance has important significance in promoting the upgrading of pastoral consumption, stimulating the innovative vitality of herdsmen, and improving the social credit environment in pastoral areas. This article analyzes the path choices for enhancing financial knowledge education, improving the construction of digital inclusive financial infrastructure, improving the construction of a digital inclusive financial ecosysem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shangzhi 189 is a new sesame variety with high yield, wide adaptability, high quality and disease resistance. In order to explore its high yield cultivation rules under the summer sowing conditions in the eastern Henan Plain and to provide scientific basis for industrialization, we studied the correlation between the main agronomic characters and the yield of Shangzhi 189 using the data obtained from the high-yield demonstration of Shangzhi 189 conducted at five experimental sites in Shangqiu City, Henan Province in 2021.The results showed that the number of capsules per plant and the number of seeds per capsule were significantly or extremely significantly positively correlated with the yield, and the length of fruit axis was significantly positively correlated with the yield at three test points. Path analysis showed that the total and direct effects of the number of capsules per plant on the yield are large, and the total effects of the length of fruit axis on the yield were the largest, and the indirect effects of the number of capsules per plant on the yield were also significant positive. The length of fruit axis and the number of capsules per plant were highly significant positive correlation, and the two had complementary effects on the increase of yield.To sum up, it was an effective way to obtain high yield by adopting reasonable promotion and control cultivation techniques and increasing the length of fruit axis and the number of effective capsules per plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The correlation and path analysis were conducted on the grain yield and ear traits of 45 maize varieties tested in the maize regional trials from 2018 to 2021 in Zhaoyang of Zhaotong. Results showed that the grain yield, kernel rate, ear length, 100-grain weight, kernels per row of the 45 tested varieties showed an upward trend, while the ear diameter and the ear rows did not change significantly, and the bare tip length showed a downward trend. Correlation analysis between grain yield and ear traits showed that the correlation coefficients of ear traits to grain yield were kernel rate（r=0.405）＞ear diameter（r=0.303）＞kernels per row（r=0.287）＞ear length（r=0.237）＞100-grain weight（r=0.198）＞ear row（r=0.081）＞bare tip length（r=-0.173）. Path analysis of grain yield and ear traits showed that ear diameter（0.412）＞kernel rate（0.402）＞ear length（0.148）＞100-grain weight（0.066）＞kernels per row（0.010）＞ear row（-0.078）＞bare tip length（-0.102）. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little millet is an important crop grown by tribal farmers in India. Genetic variability can be exploited to develop new varieties with higher yield. However, yield is complex and depends on multiple interconnected component characters. Diversity analyses, such as D2 analysis, are used to evaluate the diversity among genotypes and determine the traits that contribute the most diversity in a given population. These analyses are crucial for achieving the goal of developing new varieties with increased yield. Methods: In this study, 323 little millet genotypes were evaluated using an Augmented RCBD, focusing on ten quantitative traits. The experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2020-2021 and good agronomic practices were followed. D2 cluster analysis and path analysis were used to analyze the data, with the "R" tool and the "biotools" and "agricolae" packages, respectively. Result: In this study, 323 little millet genotypes classified into thirteen distinct clusters based on Mahalanobis's D2 statistics, reflecting differences in their phenotypic characteristics. The largest cluster (cluster I) included 243 genotypes, while the smallest clusters (Cluster IX, Cluster X, Cluster XI, Cluster XII and Cluster XIII) had only 1 genotype. The inter-cluster distance varied, with the largest value (577.7) between cluster V and XII. This analysis can be useful for identifying desirable genotypes and understanding the population's genetic diversity and structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geriatric depression is a key public health issue, as it leads to many negative health consequences. This study examines the effects of education on depression of older adults in Vietnam, focusing on gender differences. The study utilizes the 2011 Vietnam Aging Survey. The sample consists of individuals aged 60 years and older (N = 2,789, comprising 1,683 females and 1,106 males). Path analysis is used to analyze the direct and indirect effects of education on depression of older males and females. For the indirect effects, the following three channels are investigated: family resources, economic resources, and health status. Education significantly lowers depression for both genders. Education has both direct and indirect effects on the depression of females, but only indirect effects in the case of males. While several channels through which education affects depression are similar for males and females, there are some differences which reflect gender roles in Vietnam. Policies promoting education and gender equality should be strengthened to improve old-age mental health. Specific policies for different groups of older persons are also needed, such as older persons with ADL difficulty and those living alone, as these groups are more likely to suffer from depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was carried out during Kharif 2020 at wetland farm of Sri Venkateswara Agricultural College, Tirupati using 30 inbred lines of maize to assess the trait association for 16 yield and yield attributes. It revealed that ear length, number of kernels per row, plant height, ear girth, SPAD chlorophyll meter reading, 100 kernel weight, number of kernel rows per ear, specific leaf area, harvest index and tassel length had notable positive correlation with kernel yield per plant suggesting that selecting these characters simultaneously lead to an increase in kernel yield per plant. Path analysis revealed a significant and positive direct influence of ear length on the kernel yield per plant. Hence, ear length could be considered during selection in maize for improving kernel yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sixty different varieties of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) were evaluated for character association. The findings showed that the genotypic correlation was higher than the phenotypic correlation coefficient for most traits. Strong positive correlation was observed between the number of fruits per plant, branches per plant, and fruit yield per plant. Positive correlation was observed between moisture content and fruit characteristics, such as fruit volume and average fruit weight. The path coefficient analysis revealed that high positive direct effect on fruit yield was exerted by fruits per plant, followed by moisture content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out to assess character association and genetic diversity among green gram genotypes. The results of correlation coefficient analysis revealed a significantly positive correlation for the traits viz., plant height, number of primary branches, number of clusters per plant, pod length, and number of seeds per pod with single plant yield. The path analysis revealed that the number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, and hundred seed weight had the highest positive direct contribution to single plant yield. Pod length showed a low indirect contribution to the total variance and all other traits showed a negative contribution to total variance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The heavy care burden, long-term dependence of caring for cancer patients, and changing social roles put family caregivers at high risk of mental disorders and hopelessness. This explored the relationship between fatigue, sleep quality, rumination, and hopelessness, and provides suggestions to maintain caregivers’ mental health. Methods: We investigated 536 family caregivers of cancer patients in three grade A hospitals in Liaoning Province who met the inclusion criteria on the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), Fatigue Scale-14 (FS-14), Nolen-Hoeksema Ruminative Responses Scale (RRS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data were analyzed with SPSS 26.0, and Amos 22.0 was used to fit the structural equation model. Results: The family caregivers had a higher degree of hopelessness and fatigue, while sleep quality and rumination were positively correlated with hopelessness (r = 0.483–0.906; P < 0.05). Fatigue and sleep quality can indirectly affect hopelessness through rumination thinking, while hopelessness has a direct effect on sleep. Conclusions: There are multiple action paths between fatigue and sleep quality, rumination thinking, and hopelessness. Family caregivers’ physical and mental health can be maintained and hopelessness avoided by improving sleep quality, alleviating fatigue, and psychological counseling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Online interprofessional education is a collaborative process that emphasizes both individual reflection and shared discourses. A useful analytical tool for understanding the complex dynamics of online collaborative learning is the community of inquiry (CoI) framework, which originally held that there are three types of presence in such learning: teaching, cognitive, and social. However, it was later revised to include learning presence, which is characterized by self-regulated learning. Our study aims to refine the construct of learning presence through a clearer understanding of how self- and co-regulation jointly influence learning outcomes. Methods: We surveyed 110 people involved with an online interprofessional medicaleducation curriculum at a university in Hong Kong. Path analysis was adopted to explore the relationships among 1) the three original presences of CoI; 2) learning presence (i.e., for this purpose, a combination of self-regulation and co-regulation); and 3) two learning outcomes: perceived progress and learner satisfaction. Results: The results of path analysis indicated that teaching presence had a significant indirect effect, through co-regulation, on perceived progress. In terms of direct relationships, co-regulation significantly and positively influenced both self-regulation and cognitive presence; and social presence had both positive influence on learners' satisfaction and perceived progress. Discussion: This study's findings suggest the important role of co-regulation in supporting self-regulation, especially in online collaborative-learning environments. Learners' selfregulation skills are shaped by their social interactions and regulatory activities with others. This further implies that health-professions educators and instructional designers should create learning activities that facilitate the development of co-regulatory skills, as a means of improving learning outcomes. As self-regulation is an important skill for health professions learners' lifelong learning, and because their future workplaces will be interdisciplinary in nature, it is critical to provide interactive and collaborative learning environments that will promote co-regulation and self-regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato is a major food crop and characteristic industry in Dingxi City. On the basis of summarizing relevant documents, the development situation of potato industry in Dingxi City was expounded. From the perspective of rural residents per capita disposable income, through partial correlation test and path analysis method, the effect of increasing farmers' income on the development of potato industry was revealed. The potato market price had a significant positive correlation with the per capita disposable income of rural residents, and direct path coefficient was 0.517 1; the labor input had a significant negative correlation with the per capita disposable income of rural residents, and the direct path coefficient was -0.411 7. The influence of the total potato yield and the potato production cost was secondary to the potato market price, with the direct path coefficients of 0.140 6 and 0.097 2, respectively. Finally, It was proposed to further increase policy support, enhance the ability of industrial management organization to promote farmers' employment and income, strengthen scientific research and innovation, and explore the value of potato industry, so as to promote the development of potato industry in Dingxi City and increase farmers' income. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vascular streak dieback (VSD) is an important disease in cocoa and a decrease in nutrient supply is indicated to increase the severity of this disease. This study aimed to analyze the direct and indirect effects of nutrients that play a role in protecting cocoa plants from VSD. Methods: The research location was selected based on criteria such as being a smallholder cocoa plantation area, having 5-10-year-old plants and the presence of VSD disease. A sampling technique for observing disease severity was systematically conducted, with the main sample being farmers' plantations. Cocoa leaf samples were taken from branches at one-third of the plant height, specifically from the upper canopy (leaves 3-4), which were physiologically mature, healthy and dark green. The variables observed were disease severity and cocoa leaf nutrient contents. The influence of N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn, B, Cu and Zn on VSD severity was analyzed using path analysis. Result: The results showed that disease severity was related to nutrient content in the leaves. The cocoa leaf nutrients that have a direct influence on the increase in VSD disease severity are K, Ca, Mn and Cu, while nutrients N, P, Mg, Fe, B and Zn have a direct influence on reducing VSD disease severity. Nutrients N and P have a significant direct influence, whereas nutrient K has a significant indirect influence through its interaction with nutrients N and P in reducing VSD disease severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

21 P. ternata germplasm resources from different sources were used as research objects. The correlation and path analysis of main agronomic characters such as plant height, stem diameter and stem number were carried out to obtain the key factors affecting the yield of P. ternata, in order to provide theoretical guidance for breeding research of P. ternata germplasm. The results showed that the yield correlated positively with the plant height, stem diameter, tillering number, fibrous roots number, tuber hundred grain weight, bulbil hundred grain weight and the distance from tuber to bulbil. The direct path coefficient of the effect degree of each agronomic trait on the yield of P. ternata showed that the tuber hundred grain weight > tiller number > fibrous roots number > plant height > stem diameter > leaf length to width ratio>distance from tuber to budil>bulbil hundred grain weight. The distance from tuber to bud had a weak negative effect on the yield, and the ratio of leaf length to width had a negative effect on tuber hundred grain weight, plant height, stem diameter, tiller number and fibrous root number. To sum up, the main factors affecting the yield were the tuber hundred grain weight, tillering number, plant height, fibrous roots number, stem diameter, the contribution of tuber hundred grain weight on the yields was the largest. Therefore, the breeding of P. ternata germplasm that possesses high yieds should further take into account on the blade profile and the distance from tuber to bulbil included in tuber size [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of planting ryegrass combined with sludge addition and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation on organic carbon accumulation in reclaimed mine substrates (RMS) were investigated. A 6-year field experiment was carried out; in the 0–15-cm edaphic layer, a mixed matrix was constructed according to the ratio of fly ash to coal gangue to sludge=1∶6∶3 , with 0.5 kg/m2 of AMF inoculated and ryegrass sowed annually. The particle size, carbon fraction, enzyme activity, AMF-related protein and ryegrass rhizosphere effect of RMS aggregates were monitored regularly. The cumulative contribution of the above factors to organic carbon in RMS was quantitatively explored by path analysis. After reclamation, the texture of reclamation matrix in mining area was improved, the stability of aggregates augmented significantly with the proportion of large aggregates increased gradually. Organic carbon in RMS increased by 1.96 times to 38.12 g/kg ; the contents of total N and available P increased significantly year by year, mainly concentrated in aggregates. Path analysis showed that the underground biomass of ryegrass and 0.5–2-mm aggregates were the two factors with the strongest direct positive effect on organic carbon accumulation in RMS. In addition, available phosphatase and easily extractable glomalin affected the process through complex interaction with each other. A combination of ryegrass-AMF-sludge on a reclamation mining field could improve the quality of RMS through aggregates by promoting the process of soil formation, and ryegrass root growth conducive to organic carbon accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of parking application software (parking APP), considerably decreases unnecessary vehicle circling and enhances parking resource utilization. Despite the abundant functions available, limited research has considered customer requirements and satisfaction regarding the functions of parking APPs. This research exactly examined the customer perception, as well as how satisfied customers were with the functions provided by the parking APPs. Initially, the attribute classification of functions was identified utilizing Kano model based on a questionnaire survey in Hunan Province, China. The integrated functions were then used as an antecedent to evaluate customer satisfaction by structural equation model (SEM). The data analysis suggests the perceived quality is positively influenced by the four main functions of query, navigation, evaluation, and account. The results reveal that customers have less demand for automatic space grabbing and reverse vehicle tracking in small and medium-sized cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Cannabis is commonly used by Canadian emerging adults (ages 18–25 years), many of whom attend post-secondary institutions. Frequent cannabis use is linked with psychotic-like experiences (PLEs); however, the exact nature of this association remains unclear. Anxiety symptoms may mediate this association, as they are prevalent in emerging adults and have been independently linked with both cannabis use and PLEs. Past work found that anxiety mediated the association between cannabis use frequency and attenuated positive psychotic symptoms (further along the psychosis continuum than PLEs), however this research had yet to be validated in the Canadian population, and trait rather than state anxiety (frequency of anxiety symptoms) was studied. Thus, our primary objective was to examine if anxiety symptoms mediated the association between cannabis use frequency and PLEs in Canadian emerging adult undergraduates. Despite known sex differences in cannabis use, expression of anxiety, and PLEs, past work did not evaluate the potential impact of biological sex on the anxiety-mediated model, and thus is the secondary objective of the present study. Methods: 1,266 first-/second-year emerging adult undergraduates from five Canadian universities provided cross-sectional, self-report survey data in fall 2021 semester. Validated measures of cannabis use frequency, anxiety, and PLEs were administered. Results: Path analyses supported mediation from cannabis use to PLEs through anxiety (b = 0.07, P < 0.001, 95% bootstrap CI [0.03, 0.10]). No direct effect was found (P = 0.457), suggesting that the cannabis-to-PLEs association was mediated by anxiety. Mediation did not depend on biological sex (i.e., bootstrapped 95% CIs crossed zero). Conclusions: Anxiety symptoms mediated the association between cannabis use and PLEs in emerging adults regardless of their biological sex. Assuming replication in prospective research, results highlight anxiety as an important intervention target in frequent cannabis-using emerging adults, to potentially prevent development/worsening of PLEs, and in turn psychotic illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infants (<1 year old) are the age group in Australia with the highest rate of involvement with child protection. Many jurisdictions across Australia and internationally are implementing policies focused on prenatal planning and targeted support. This study investigates Australian trends in prenatal and infant child protection notifications, substantiations and out-of-home care; and the extent of over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants. Data was provided by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare for the period 1 July 2012-30 June 2019. Univariate Poisson regression analysis was conducted, reporting the percentage change in the incidence rate ratios. All Australian jurisdictions who collect and approved release of prenatal notification data experienced increases in the rates of children with prenatal notifications, with a 4% (IRR: 1.04(1.04–1.05)) overall increase per year across Australia. Approximately 33% of children had substantiated prenatal notifications. Rates of infant notifications and entry to care in Australia increased overall by 3% (IRR:1.03(1.03–1.04)) and 2% per year (IRR:1.02(1.01–1.03)), respectively. With rising numbers of families reported prenatally and during infancy, greater evidence of the effectiveness of policies, interventions and outcomes for children and families is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The heavy care burden, long-term dependence of caring for cancer patients, and changing social roles put family caregivers at high risk of mental disorders and hopelessness. This explored the relationship between fatigue, sleep quality, rumination, and hopelessness, and provides suggestions to maintain caregivers' mental health. Methods: We investigated 536 family caregivers of cancer patients in three grade A hospitals in Liaoning Province who met the inclusion criteria on the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), Fatigue Scale-14 (FS-14), Nolen-Hoeksema Ruminative Responses Scale (RRS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data were analyzed with SPSS 26.0, and Amos 22.0 was used to fit the structural equation model. Results: The family caregivers had a higher degree of hopelessness and fatigue, while sleep quality and rumination were positively correlated with hopelessness (r = 0.483–0.906; P < 0.05). Fatigue and sleep quality can indirectly affect hopelessness through rumination thinking, while hopelessness has a direct effect on sleep. Conclusions: There are multiple action paths between fatigue and sleep quality, rumination thinking, and hopelessness. Family caregivers' physical and mental health can be maintained and hopelessness avoided by improving sleep quality, alleviating fatigue, and psychological counseling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to explore the level of critical and collaborative thinking among university students in IoT-based sensor and actuator competence courses in Surabaya during 2022-2023. This study employs quantitative research methods and utilizes the structural equation modeling approach with partial least squares algorithm for analysis. This paper aims to explore the intricate connections between critical thinking, communication skills, collaboration skills, and learning outcomes in the context of sensor and actuator competence by examining the existing research and exploring practical implications. Respondents comprise of 360 electrical engineering students in Surabaya currently taking sensor and actuator competencies in the 2022/2023 school year. The findings had significant role of collaborative learning in enhancing the association between critical thinking and learning outcomes, particularly in the affective and psychomotor domains. Collaborative learning can be considered an effective strategy to reinforce the connection between critical thinking and academic achievement in these two domains. The implications of this study have the potential to guide educational institutions in designing and implementing effective strategies for fostering critical and collaborative thinking skills among students in IoT-related fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While cannabis use is a well-established risk factor for psychosis, little is known about any association between reasons for first using cannabis (RFUC) and later patterns of use and risk of psychosis. Methods: We used data from 11 sites of the multicentre European Gene-Environment Interaction (EU-GEI) case–control study. 558 first-episode psychosis patients (FEPp) and 567 population controls who had used cannabis and reported their RFUC. We ran logistic regressions to examine whether RFUC were associated with first-episode psychosis (FEP) case–control status. Path analysis then examined the relationship between RFUC, subsequent patterns of cannabis use, and case–control status. Results: Controls (86.1%) and FEPp (75.63%) were most likely to report 'because of friends' as their most common RFUC. However, 20.1% of FEPp compared to 5.8% of controls reported: 'to feel better' as their RFUC (χ2 = 50.97; p < 0.001). RFUC 'to feel better' was associated with being a FEPp (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.03–2.95) while RFUC 'with friends' was associated with being a control (OR 0.56; 95% CI 0.37–0.83). The path model indicated an association between RFUC 'to feel better' with heavy cannabis use and with FEPp-control status. Conclusions: Both FEPp and controls usually started using cannabis with their friends, but more patients than controls had begun to use 'to feel better'. People who reported their reason for first using cannabis to 'feel better' were more likely to progress to heavy use and develop a psychotic disorder than those reporting 'because of friends'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cassava is one of the major root and tuber crops cultivated globally. • Genetic diversity studies help to select superior and diverse parents for breeding programmes. • SSR markers determine the genetic similarity among genotypes eliminating environmental effects. Thirty cassava accessions, including released and pre-release varieties in India were selected for morphological, statistical and molecular analysis to evaluate their genetic divergence. Based on ANOVA (Analysis of Variance), significant differences were observed in thirty genotypes for the fifteen characters used in the study. Most of the characters such as plant height, stem weight plant−1, number of leaves plant−1 and mean weight of tuber exhibited high GCV and PCV along with a positive correlation to tuber yield plant−1. Path analysis showed that stem weight plant−1, number of tubers plant−1, number of leaves plant−1, leaf dry matter content and number of nodes plant−1 directly affected tuber yield plant−1. The genotypes were then grouped into nine clusters following Mahalanobis' D2 statistics with clusters IV and VIII recording the maximum inter-cluster distance, which gave an idea about the diversity prevailing among them. PCA analysis showed that stem girth, number of nodes and tuber yield plant−1 accounted for greater variability among the genotypes. Molecular analysis using SSR markers showed polymorphism for eighteen markers and molecular dendrogram clustering grouped the genotypes into three principal clusters with different subclusters. Overall, the study highlights the genomic diversity of cassava accessions and provides valuable insights into their characteristics and yield potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment on oats transpired during the crop season 2021-2022 according to the split-plot design system of the full randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The potassium element was in the chief ingredients in three concentrations (0, 10, and 20 g L-1). The genetic structures, secondary pieces, and results showed that the genetic appearance and environmental conditions under the three concentrations were positive and significant in all qualities. The natural and ecological manifestation analyses in laboratories showed complete, high, medium, and indirect effects in all features under study, with a varying percentage between spraying concentrations. With potassium, the qualities indicated a positive and valuable association with the raw protein of the grain summary of the plant at all levels and had notable indirect effects through some other characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Rapeseed with the scientific name (Brassica napus L.) are one of the most important oilseed crops in the world. Considering the country's increasing need to import oil and the importance of rapeseed among oilseeds plants, increasing the yield and percentage of oil is very important. Therefore, identification the traits that increase seed yield, play an important role in the success of breeding programs. Yield is a complex trait that is affected by many factors. direct selection of a variety for yield is not often very effective, so investigating the relationships between grain yield and other traits for indirect selection may be effective. In such a situation, correlations may not clarify the relationships well, therefore, multivariate statistical methods and path analysis can help in understanding the nature of the relationship between traits for direct or indirect selection and improve the efficiency of selection in breeding programs plants become useful. Materials and Methods: In this study, eight genotypes of spring rapeseed (SPN-202, SPN-204, SPN-206, SPN-207, SPN-217, SPN-225, SPN-227, SPN-182) along with 56 rapeseed hybrids (F1) were planted in a randomized complete block design with three replications in 2019-2020 crop years in the research farm of Gorgan Agricultural Research Station. During the experiment, phenological, morphological traits, yield and yield components were recorded. The normality of the data was evaluated based on the Kolmogorov-Smirnov method. In order to understand the relationships between traits and to identify the traits affecting on grain yield, at first, correlation coefficients were estimated, then stepwise regression were done. Then, path analysis based on correlation coefficients was used to determine the direct and indirect effects of traits. Finally, all traits were grouped based on principal component analysis. Results: The results of analysis of variance indicate a significant difference for all studied traits at the probability level of one percent. The coefficient of variation (C.V) for the traits varied from 1.37 (physiological maturity) to 10.31 (number of sub-branches), which indicates that there is sufficient accuracy in conducting the research. The results of correlation evaluation showed that number of pod per lateral branches (0.864), number pods per Plant (0.865), number of lateral branches (0.466), physiological maturing (0.329) and number of grain per pod (0.358) had a positive and significant correlation with grain yield (P<0.01). Stepwise regression analysis showed that the traits of number of pods per plant, number of grain per pod and 1000-grain weight has a decisive role on grain yield. Based on the results of path analysis, number of pods per plant had the most direct effect (0.881) and number of grain per pod had the most indirect effect (0.053) through the number of pods per plant on grain yield. In order the results of principal component analysis, four components were able to explain 75.91% of the changes in the measured data of 64 rapeseed varieties. Conclusions: Results of the path analysis showed that number of pods per plant, number of grain per pod and 1000-grain weight had a direct positive effect on grain yield. Also, the stepwise regression analysis showed that the stated traits have the highest regression coefficients. Therefore, selection for these traits can be very effective in achieving high performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Driven by China's long-term energy transition strategies, the construction of large-scale clean energy power stations, such as wind, solar, and hydropower, is advancing rapidly. Consequently, as a green, low-carbon, and flexible storage power source, the adoption of pumped storage power stations is also rising significantly. Operations management is a significant factor that influences the performance of pumped storage power stations in various domains, including environmental protection, economic benefits, and social benefits. While existing studies have highlighted the importance of stakeholder partnering in operations management, a systematic exploration of the causal relationships between partnering, operations management, and the performance of pumped storage power stations—especially from a multi-energy complementarity perspective—remains untouched. This paper strives to shed light on the vital role of stakeholder partnering in augmenting the operations management and overall performance of pumped storage power stations, thereby contributing to China's dual carbon goals. A comprehensive conceptual model was developed by reviewing the relevant literature to empirically examine the causal relationships among partnering, operations management, and power station performance, which was validated using data from the Liaoning Qingyuan Pumped Storage Power Station, which is the largest of its kind in Northeast China. The findings suggest: (1) Effective partnering among stakeholders, particularly with grid companies, significantly influences the operations management of pumped storage power stations, with deficiencies in partnering mainly attributed to the lack of effective communication channels and problem-solving mechanisms. (2) The level of operations management in China's pumped storage power stations is relatively high, averaging a central score around 4.00 (out of a full score of 5) on operations management indicators. However, there is a need to concentrate on enhancing multi-energy complementarity coordination, digital management system development, and profitability. (3) Path analysis further unveils that partnering not only improves operations management but also boosts the performance of pumped storage power stations. These findings suggest a wide range of practical strategies for operations managers at pumped storage power stations to forge partnerships with stakeholders and integrate complementary resources, aiming to achieve excellence in performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecosystem services (ES) can be influenced by various environmental factors. In order to efficiently allocate resources and manage ecosystems, it is important to understand the mechanisms by which these environmental effects impact the interactions and trade-offs among different ES. While previous studies have primarily examined the impact of individual environmental factors on ES, the intricate mechanisms underlying the effects of multiple environmental factors have been largely overlooked. In this study, we adopted a path analysis approach that considered interactions among explanatory variables. We analyzed multiple geospatial datasets from various sources, including remote sensing and climate data, to examine the main drivers—precipitation, temperature, FVC (fractional vegetation cover), NPP (net primary productivity), human activities, and altitude—affecting five ecosystem services: carbon sequestration service (C), habitat provision service (HP), soil conservation service (SCS), sand-stabilization service (SSS), and water conservation service (WCS) in arid and semi-arid mountainous regions. Our investigation found that all five ES have shown an upward trajectory over the past two decades. The most significant growth was observed in C, which increased by 39.4%. Among the environmental factors examined, precipitation has been identified as the predominant factor influencing the ES and the synergies and trade-offs among ES. The influence of precipitation on SCS reached a coefficient of 0.726. Human activity factors had the greatest influence on HP of the five ES with a path coefficient of 0.262. Conversely, temperature exhibited a suppressive influence on ES. The impact of factors such as NPP and altitude on ES was comparatively modest. Notably, human activities assumed a substantial contributory role in shaping the relationship encompassing WCS. It is worth noting that individual factors exerted differential effects on ES along distinct environmental gradients, including anthropogenic gradients. In this context, the combination of high altitude and substantial FVC demonstrated a notable contribution to WCS. Our study can provide valuable insights for the management of ES which can be utilized to optimize the regulation of the Loess Plateau Ecological Screen (LPES) ecological construction and promote regional sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reliable prediction of winter bread wheat grain yield (GY) and its qualitative parameters (crude protein (CP) and wet gluten (GL) content, wet gluten yield (GLY)) requires evaluation of the plant nutritional status in the Critical Cereal Window (CCW). The reliability of the forecast depends on the dedicated plant characteristics and the correct selection of the diagnostic plant parts. This hypothesis was verified in a one-factor field experiment carried out in the 2013/2014, 2014/2015, and 2015/2016 growing seasons. The field experiment included applying 0, 40, 80, 120, 160, 200, and 240 kg N ha−1. The N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu content in wheat was determined in two growth stages: (i) beginning of booting (BBCH 40) and (ii) full flowering (BBCH 65). The evaluated plant components included the leaves and stem for BBCH 40 and the flag leaf, leaves, stem, and ear of BBCH 65. Grain yields were very high, significantly responding to the increased rates of fertilizer nitrogen (Nf), with a maximum yield of 11.3 t ha−1 achieved in 2014 (N rate of 209 kg N ha−1), 13.7 t ha−1 in 2015, and 8.6 t ha−1 in 2016 (N rate of 240 kg N ha−1). The CP and GL content also increased linearly in accordance with the Nf rates. At the beginning of the booting stage, the GY forecast based on the content of nutrients in the leaves or the stem was 94%. Meanwhile, a slightly higher yield prediction was obtained for leaves during the full flowering stage (95%). The key nutrients comprised K, Ca, and Mn, accounting for 93% of the GY variability. The accuracy of the GL prognosis at BBCH 40, regardless of the plant part, exceeded 99%. Three nutrients, namely, P, Mg, and Zn, explained 98% of the GL variability, and the GLY forecast was high (97%). Both wheat traits depended on Zn, which buffered the action of N and Mg. At the full flowering stage, the highest, yet slightly weaker, predictions of GL and GLY were obtained for leaves (95% and 92%, respectively). At this stage of winter wheat growth, the significant role of Zn and K and the buffering effect of Cu on the action of both nutrients was apparent. The obtained results unequivocally confirm that the game for winter wheat grain yield occurs within the Critical Cereal Window. In addition, the end result depends on the plant's N supply during this period and the nutritional status of other nutrients. Application of 40–80 kg N ha−1 fertilizer critically impacted the GY and technological quality. Moreover, micronutrients, including Zn and Cu, influence the GY, GL, and GLY considerably. At the beginning of the booting phase (BBCH 40), winter wheat leaves serve as a highly reliable plant component indicator for evaluating nutrient content and quantitative (GY, GLY) and qualitative (GL) characteristics of grain. Moreover, analysis conducted during BBCH 40 allows the farmer to correct the nutritional status of the wheat, taking into account N and other nutrients as necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of sulfur is an important factor in potato production. At the beginning of this study, a hypothesis was put forward according to which sulfur carrier affects yield (TY) and nitrogen efficiency (EN). The three-year study was conducted in a two-factor system: (1) sulfur fertilization, SF (control—without S, elemental sulfur—S0, calcium sulfate—CS), and (2) nitrogen fertilization level, NF (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 kg N·ha−1). In addition to TY, the following EN indicators were analyzed: agronomical efficiency (EA), physiological efficiency (EPh), partial factor productivity (PFP), and recovery (R). For both sources of sulfur, an increase in TY was confirmed. After applying CS, the optimum for the maximum yield was 106 kg N·ha−1, while the application of S0 resulted in 134 kg N·ha−1. The impact of SF on the nitrogen economy decreased in the direction of EA = PFP > EF > R and depended on the sulfur carrier. A positive trend was found, associated with the increase in R under the influence of S0 and the clearly higher EPh after the application of CS. A particularly strong effect of CS on EA was evident in the range of lower nitrogen doses. The EN values depended on the meteorological conditions during the research years. The strongest variability was subject to EPh, which, as a result of SF, was significantly higher in relation to the control (without S) during the growing season, with an unfavorable distribution of precipitation. The application of CS reduced the unit nitrogen uptake (UU-N). Using path analysis, a direct relationship of Ca accumulation (controlled by N and S) with TY was demonstrated. The conducted research indicates a significant impact of sulfur fertilizers, related to TY and EN, especially visible under conditions of limited nitrogen supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lavender is a highly valuable medicinal and aromatic perennial shrub lacking superior and stable varieties for varied environments in the western Himalayas. In the present experiment, estimates of genotypic effects and their interaction with the environment under various conditions of Himachal Pradesh were investigated to identify superior and stable genotypes. For that, seven selections with a check were evaluated at four different locations in randomized block design with three replications during 2020 and 2021. The pooled analysis of variance showed that genotypic and environmental main effects were highly significant for all the traits under study while, G×E interaction was significant (p=0.05) for plant height, spike length and spike yield. The highest mean performance for all the traits revealed that location-4 has favourable conditions for lavender cultivation, and LOH15141 followed by LOH15040 were the best performers over all the locations. These high-performing genotypes were clustered together with the check in a major cluster. The stability parameters of the Eberhart and Russell model showed that LOH15141 is stable and superior for both spike yield and essential oil content, further confirmed by GGE biplot analysis. GGE biplot analysis revealed that all the tested locations formed a single mega-environment. The strong positive yield contribution described through Pearson's correlation coefficients and genotypic path diagram states that plant height, number of spikes and spike length were significant contributors to the spike yield and could be used as selection criteria to improve spike yield due to their high heritability and genetic advance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The study aims to show interrelations between self-efficacy, perfectionism (adaptive and maladaptive), health behavior, and mental health outcomes such as anxiety and depression as an exponent in maintaining optimal health. In the analyses, we focused on one category of health behaviors - preventive practices. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE: Of the gathered data, 295 complete datasets were analyzed (age: M = 28.16, SD = 9.41; 72.8% participants female). We proposed two path models with personality traits (as exogenous variables) and health behaviors (as endogenous variables) in predicting depression and anxiety. RESULTS: Multiple regression analysis revealed that maladaptive perfectionism and generalized self-efficacy significantly predicted health behaviors in general and mental health outcomes whereas adaptive perfectionism and generalized self-efficacy were significant predictors of preventive practices. The path analyses showed that generalized selfefficacy and perfectionism are related directly to mental health outcomes as well as indirectly, through health behaviors. Interestingly, we found a negative indirect effect of an interaction between generalized self-efficacy and preventive practices as well as of an interaction between adaptive perfectionism and preventive practices on mental health outcomes. The model fitted well with the data. CONCLUSIONS: The findings show that a balanced and more holistic approach to maintaining health is beneficial for people high in self-efficacy in comparison with high focus on disease prevention. Additionally, the results demonstrate that adaptive perfectionists and people high in self-efficacy may also be prone to anxiety and depression (not just maladaptive perfectionists) when their health focus is too narrow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] is a self pollinated crop, belonging to family fabaceae and sub family papilionaceae. It is an important multipurpose grain legume extensively cultivated in arid and semi arid regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Central and South America. The assessment of variability present in any crop species is an essential pre requisite for formulating an effective breeding programme, as the existing variability can be used to enhance the yield level of cultivars after following appropriate breeding strategies. Methods: The present investigation was carried out during the Kharif season of the year 2019. The field experiment was carried out at Pulses Research Station, NAU, Navsari in randomized block design. The study was undertaken on fifty three genotypes of cowpea to know the variability present among genotypes for thirteen traits and correlation and path analysis of yield components. Result: Analysis of variance indicated significant genotypic differences for all the characters under study. The highest GCV was recorded for plant height, pods per plant, pods per cluster, seed yield per plant, straw yield per plant, 100 seed weight and harvest index. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was exhibited by days to 50 per cent flowering, days to maturity, plant weight, seed yield per plant, 100 seed weight, pod length, pods per cluster and seeds per pod indicating the presence of additive gene action. Seed yield per plant was found to be positively and significantly correlated with pods per plant, pods per cluster, pod length, days to 50 per cent flowering and straw yield per plant or seed yield per plant. The present study has indicated the need for giving due weightage to pods per plant, pods per cluster, seeds per pod, 100 seed weight, pod length with straw yield per plant for improving seed yield in cowpea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1.Experimental studies across biomes demonstrate that herbivores can have significant effects on ecosystem functioning. Herbivore effects, however, can be highly variable with studies demonstrating positive, neutral or negative relationships between herbivore presence and different components of ecosystems. Mixed effects are especially likely in the soil, where herbivore effects are largely indirect mediated through effects on plants.2.We conducted a long‐term experiment to disentangle the effects of non‐native moose in boreal forests on plant communities, nutrient cycling, soil composition and soil organism communities.3.To explore the effect of moose on soils, we conduct separate analyses on the soil organic and mineral horizons. Our data come from 11 paired exclosure‐control plots in eastern and central Newfoundland, Canada that provide insight into 22–25 years of moose herbivory. We fit piecewise structural equations models (SEM) to data for the organic and mineral soil horizons to test different pathways linking moose to above‐ground and below‐ground functioning.4.The SEMs revealed that moose exclusion had direct positive impacts on adult tree count and an indirect negative impact on shrub percent cover mediated by adult tree count. We detected no significant impact of moose on soil microbial C:N ratio or net nitrogen mineralization in the organic or mineral soil horizon. Soil temperature and moisture, however, was more than twice as variable in the presence (i.e. control) than absence (i.e. exclosure) of moose. Overall, we observed clear impacts of moose on above‐ground forest components with limited indirect effects below‐ground. Even after 22–25 years of exclusion, we did not find any evidence of moose impacts on soil microbial C:N ratio and net nitrogen mineralization.5.Our long‐term study and mechanistic path analysis demonstrates that soils can be resilient to ungulate herbivore effects despite evidence of strong effects above‐ground. Long‐term studies and analyses such as this one are relatively rare yet critical for reconciling some of the context‐dependency observed across studies of ungulates effects on ecosystem functions. Such studies may be particularly valuable in ecosystems with short growing seasons such as the boreal forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Children's socialization discontinuity during kindergarten transition was measured by using the divergence in perception of children's social-emotional behavioral skills between teachers and parents. • Teachers and parents disagreed more on the social-emotional behavioral skills of children from lower-SES backgrounds, children identified as ethnic minorities, and children from non-English speaking backgrounds. • A higher degree of socialization discontinuity is correlated with lower closeness and more conflict between kindergarten teachers and children. • Children from non-English speaking households had less conflict with teachers in general. SES- and ethnicity-related disparities in teacher-child relationships are prevalent. An important cause may be that children of color and children from low-SES backgrounds are often perceived by their teachers to have lower social-emotional behavioral (SEB) competence. Besides the impact of poverty on SEB development, likely explanations for such gaps are cultural mismatch theory and teacher bias theory. Both frameworks point to a divergence between teachers' and students' expectations of classroom norms as well as their practice of them. Such incongruence can manifest in the extent to which teachers and parents (dis)agree on children's SEB skills. The greater the divergence between parents and teachers, the larger the discontinuity in socialization experiences a child may encounter during kindergarten transition. Using the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study data, the current study investigates the relationship between socialization discontinuity and children's demographic backgrounds, and whether disparities in teacher-child relationships can be predicted by the degree of socialization discontinuity. The results show higher divergence between teachers' and parents' assessment of children's SEB skills for children from low-SES backgrounds, non-English speaking households, and those who are identified as Black or Hispanic. Higher socialization discontinuity predicts both a more conflictual and a less close teacher-child relationship in general. Meanwhile, children from a non-English household tend to have less conflict with their teachers. Other factors that may affect teacher-child relationships, future research directions, and implications for policymakers and education practitioners are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tapes dorsatus from three different geographical populations including Beihai, Dongxing and Fangchenggang of Guangxi were randomly selected to measure 10 indicators, including shell length (SL), shell height(SH), shell width (SW), shell thickness (ST), frond edge length(FEL), back edge length( BEL), outer ligament length( OLL), outer ligament fossa width(OLFW), living body mass(LBM) and soft part mass (SPM). By using the methods of correlation analysis, path analysis and determination coefficient analysis, we analyzed the role and effect of phenotypic characters on the living body mass of T. dorsatus from different geographical populations. The results showed that the outer ligament fossa width of Beihai population had the highest variation coefficient (17.650%), and the shell length had the lowest variation coefficient(4.027%).The soft part mass of Dongxing population had the highest variation coefficient (18.421%).and the shell length had the lowest variation coefficient(4.453%).The soft part mass of Fangchenggang population had the highest variation coefficient (14.348%), and the shell length had the lowest variation coefficient(3.423%).The fresh meat yield of T.dorsatus from Beihai, Dongxing and Fangchenggang populations were 33.703%,35.238% and37.107% respectively. There was significant correlations (P<0.05) between most phenotypie characters of T.dorsatus from different geographical populations. The living body mass of different populations were affected by different phenotypic characters. In Beihai population, shell height had the highest correlation index and direct effect on living body mass with the values of 0.780 and 0.632 respectively, and it was the main factor influencing living body mass.In Dongxing population, shell height had the highest correlation index and direct effect on the living body mass, which was the main factor influencing the living body mass, with the value of 0.783.In Fangchenggang. population, the shell length had the highest correlation index and direct effect on the living body mass, which was the main factor influencing the living body mass, with the value of 0.514.The regression equations of the phenotypic character and living body mass: Beihai population. WT1 =-41.611+1.233SH+0.671SW; Dongxing population, WT2=-49.825+1.899SH; Fangchenggang population, WT3=-25.148+0.901SL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Based on the two mediating variables of self-efficacy and coping style, a multiple mediating model was constructed to explore the mechanism by which psychological resilience affects depression in patients with recurrent schizophrenia.Methods: A total of 210 patients with recurrent schizophrenia who were hospitalized in a tertiary hospital in Hunan Province, China, were enrolled. The Connor Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), General Self-Efficacy Energy Scale (GSES) and Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ) were used to evaluate resilience, self-efficacy, coping style and depression. Path analysis was performed by constructing a structural equation model, and the mediating effect between variables was verified by the bias-corrected nonparametric percentile bootstrap method.Results: Resilience, self-efficacy and positive coping together explained 53.2% of the variance in depression. (1) The total scores of self-efficacy, coping style, resilience and depression in patients with recurrent schizophrenia were 2.54± 0.61, 31.73± 9.62, 58.06± 17.26 and 50.48± 12.55, respectively. (2) Pearson analysis showed that the scores of self-efficacy, positive coping, resilience and depression were significantly correlated with depression (r=− 0.24– 0.51, P< 0.01). (3) The path analysis showed that resilience directly affects depression (β=− 0.401); additionally, resilience indirectly affects depression through self-efficacy (β=− 0.179) and through the chain mediating effect of self-efficacy and positive coping style (β=− 0.024).Conclusion: There is a high incidence of depression in patients with recurrent schizophrenia in China, and intervention is needed. This research revealed that resilience directly affects depression in patients with recurrent schizophrenia and that self-efficacy and positive coping play a part in mediating resilience and depression in patients with recurrent schizophrenia in China. Implementing targeted interventions based on action paths to improve the level of resilience and reduce the incidence of depression has guiding significance in the field of occupational rehabilitation of patients with recurrent schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2016, China officially ended its One-Child policy and started allowing urban married couples to have up to two children. Beginning in 2021, Chinese policy officially began encouraging couples to have up to three children in response to low birth rates and increasing needs for workers and care providers in an aging country. Siblinghood in China has thus begun to re-emerge as a social phenomenon among urban Chinese. Given the important role sibling relationships have in the development of empathy, this relaxation and policy shift provides a unique context in which to investigate family dynamics among two-child families where there is a large age gap between children. Guided by family systems theory, the current study examined family level factors that help socialize younger sibling's empathy in mainland China by testing direct associations between autonomy supportive parenting, marital quality, coparenting, and secondborn children' (ages 3–5) empathy in mainland China. Direct and indirect associations with secondborn children's empathy via older sibling's relationship quality with their younger sibling were also tested. Results revealed coparent conflict and positive sibling relationship were directly associated with younger sibling's empathy; further, marital quality and coparent support were indirectly associated with younger sibling's empathy via positive sibling relationship. Parents, educators, and practitioners may consider addressing family level factors as an avenue for promoting younger sibling's empathy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jinjiang oyster Crassostrea ariakensis, a species with economic and ecological value, is distributed along the estuaries and coasts of East Asia. With the decline in natural resources, the conservation and aquaculture of this species is urgent. However, studies characterizing their shell shape remain scarce. We investigated the morphological differences in the shells of wild Jinjiang oysters from six populations (Qinzhou, Shanghai, Nantong, Qingdao, and Binzhou hard or muddy bottom) along the coast of China. The color of the shell and adductor muscle scar showed associations with temperature gradient along its geographical distribution. Oyster shape was defined by shell height to shell length ratio, and the ratio varies among geographic locations of the populations. They were found nearly round (Qinzhou and Nantong populations), oval (Qingdao and Binzhou populations), or water-droplet-shaped (Shanghai population). Binzhou populations living on muddy substrates are more elongated than those on hard substrate. In addition, we developed a method to measure the cavity volume in oysters. Correlation and path analysis showed that shell height significantly influenced cavity volume. The synergistic effect of the two factors (the height, length, and width of the shell in pairs) on the cavity volume resulted in differences between northern and southern groups: samples from the southern group (Qinzhou and Shanghai) showed correlation between shell height and shell width, while those from the northern group (Nantong, Qingdao, and Binzhou) showed correlation between shell height and shell length. All populations showed significant correlation between shell height and cavity height, and shell length and cavity length, while the correlation between shell width and cavity width was minimal, which may have been resulted from uneven shell thickness. The linear equation for shell height and cavity volume under different ratios of shell height to length was obtained. In this study, we determined that shell height has the most influence on cavity volume, and specific cavity volume fitting linear equations are given for different shell types, which may provide a reference for future oyster breeding for shell shaping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: We aimed to test a model in which hope and spiritual well‐being acted as protective factors against anxiety and depressive symptoms in childhood cancer patients (CCPs). We hypothesized that hope and spiritual well‐being were mutually reinforcing factors that would both reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. Methods: Using path analysis, the hypothetical model was tested on a cross‐sectional sample of 412 Chinese CCPs aged 8–17 years. Self‐reported measures were used to obtain data on participants' social and clinical characteristics, spiritual well‐being, hope, anxiety and depressive symptoms. Results: The hypothetical model was supported. Results suggested that sex, treatment type and diagnosis predicted spiritual well‐being; diagnosis and time since diagnosis predicted hope. Spiritual well‐being and hope were mutually predictive and mutually reinforcing, and were both negatively associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms. This model predicted 40% of the variance in spiritual well‐being, 37% in hope, 39% in depressive symptoms, and 28% in anxiety. Conclusion: Spiritual well‐being and hope were mutually reinforcing and served as protective factors against anxiety and depressive symptoms. These support the value for integrating spiritual and hope elements in developing interventions for CCPs to improve their spiritual and psychological well‐being along the disease trajectory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research aimed to identify the degree of knowledge of the researchers in safe methods for handling agricultural waste, and to determine the degree of efficiency of the researchers in disseminating the guidance message to the beneficiaries in the field of safe handling of agricultural waste, and to determine the relationship between the degree of efficiency of the researchers in disseminating the message and the independent variables studied and the knowledge of the researchers in safe methods for handling agricultural waste (as an intermediate variable), and to attempt to deduce a causal model that determines the path of causal relationships between the independent variables studied in their impact on the knowledge of the researchers in safe methods for handling agricultural waste to improve the efficiency of disseminating the guidance message. The study was conducted in the Sharkia governorate, totaling about 168 agricultural extension agents, representing about 35.5% of the total number of agricultural extension agents in the governorate. Data were collected using a personal interview questionnaire. Several statistical methods were used, including: frequencies, percentages, arithmetic mean, weighted mean, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, Pearson's correlation coefficient, ascending multiple regression analysis, and path analysis. The most important findings were that the majority of respondents had a high level of knowledge of safe handling methods for some agricultural waste, at 80.4% and that more than half of the researchers had an average total score for the efficiency of their diffusion of the guidance message in the field of safe methods for handling agricultural waste, with a percentage of 51.8%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of machine-harvestable traits in chickpeas lies in their capacity to enhance and streamline the harvesting process. By employing machine harvesters, farmers can enjoy numerous advantages over manual harvesting, as it becomes a more efficient and economically viable option. With the aim of achieving this objective, a total of 36 desi chickpea genotypes were selected for a comprehensive study on genetic variability, correlation, and path coefficient analysis. The analysis of variance conducted on 12 distinct characters revealed significant variation, indicating the presence of diversity among these traits. Several traits exhibited significant variability with high PCV and GCV. The height of the first pod, plant height, and hundred seed weight displayed substantial heritability and genetic advance. Remarkably, hundred seed weight was the sole trait with high values of PCV, GCV, heritability, and genetic advance mean (GAM). Taller plants with higher first pod height (HOFP and PH) are associated with increased performance in traits like Plot Yield (PLYG), Harvest Index (HI), Hundred Seed Weight (HSW), Biological Yield (BY), and Number of Secondary Branches (NSB). Genotypic path analysis revealed that both the hundred seed weight and number of secondary branches demonstrated positive direct effects on the height of the first pod. Principal component analysis divided the traits into 12 PCs, where the first four PCs showed eigen values greater than 1 and are responsible for a cumulative variation of 82.9%. Notably, 17 genotypes exhibited a height of the first pod exceeding 30 cm, indicating their suitability for machine harvesting. The genotypes GL 15003, IPCB 2015-132, RVSSG-96, and IPC 2017-253 showed promise for developing machine-harvestable cultivars, based on their height of the first pod and yield attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fourty-eight ashwagandha [Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal] genotypes were studied for the genetic variability, heritability and trait association during 2018-19 based on 13 yield and quality traits. For all the 13 characters studied, highly significant (P < 0.01) differences were observed. Parameters such as withanolides, dry root yield per plant and crude fibre recorded higher estimates for GCV and PCV. High broad sense heritability and genetic advance were recorded for number of primary and secondary branches, number of berries, root length, number of secondary roots, fresh and dry root yield, starch, crude fibre and withanolides. These proved to be promising traits that would respond to selection of better genotypes owing to their high transmissibility and genetic variability. Character association study indicated that dry root yield had positive and significant association with the number of primary and secondary roots, fresh root yield and withanolides at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. Path analysis revealed that number of secondary roots and withanolides were major traits having high positive, direct effect and significant association with dry root yield. Hence, these traits would be quite effective when selected to improve dry root yield in ashwagandha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sunflower production can be increased by exploring genetic variability present in the population. The nature of relationship between yield and its associated traits should be clearly understood to achieve parallel improvement of yield by indirect selection of beneficial traits. In the present study, 50 sunflower accessions along with five checks were evaluated for nine biometrical traits viz. days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, head diameter, hundred seed weight, volume weight, hull content, oil content and single plant yield to assess the variability and character association. The analysis of variance revealed the presence of significant variation among the genotypes for all the traits under consideration. Phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation values were high for hundred seed weight and single plant yield. High heritability along with high genetic advance was observed for the traits viz. days to 50% flowering, plant height, head diameter, volume weight, oil content, hundred seed weight and single plant yield. Correlation studies revealed the presence of a positive and significant correlation between single plant yield and the traits head diameter and hundred seed weight. Similarly, oil content exhibited a positive and significant correlation with head diameter and volume weight. Path analysis also indicated the presence of high and moderate positive direct effect of head diameter and hundred seed weight on single plant yield. Based on the above, head diameter and hundred seed weight could be used as selection indices for yield improvement in sunflower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to evaluate the genetic variability, character association and path coefficient for various quantitative traits in fifty rice genotypes comprising of landraces and varieties under water limited conditions. Drought being a major abiotic stress causes severe reduction in grain yield especially during reproductive stages. The results revealed the presence of high genetic variability and significance for all the traits studied. The traits like single plant yield, number of filled spikelets per panicle, number of productive tillers per plant, flag leaf length, leaf rolling and leaf drying showed high variability compared to all other traits. The traits viz., spikelet fertility, number of productive tillers per plant, number of total tillers per plant, plant height, flag leaf breadth, panicle length, number of filled spikelets per panicle and relative water content exhibited a significant and positive correlation and direct effect on single plant yield, suggesting the potential importance of these traits in the improvement and selection of stable and high-yielding rice genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was undertaken in 110 mung bean genotypes in alpha lattice design in two replications to estimate the correlation coefficients, direct and indirect effects of various yield contributing traits on grain yield for 18 quantitative traits and nine screening traits against bruchids. The correlation coefficient analysis revealed that single plant yield showed high significant positive correlation with number of pods per plant, followed by number of clusters per plant and hundred seed weight. Path analysis showed that days to 50 per cent flowering and number of pods per plant showed high positive direct effect on single plant yield. The bruchid bioassay resulted in the identification of 12 genotypes with complete resistance to bruchids and all the characters showed high significant positive correlation with each other except for number of eggs laid. Hence, the resistant genotypes identified in this study can be used in resistance breeding programme for bruchids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]